In an experiment, what do we call subjects who are not exposed to the independent variable?

In an experiment, subjects who are not exposed to the independent variable are referred to as the control group. The control group serves as a baseline for comparison, allowing researchers to determine the effects of the independent variable by observing any differences that arise between the experimental group (which is exposed to the independent variable) and the control group. By isolating the variable being tested and ensuring that the control group is treated the same way as the experimental group except for this variable, the influence of other factors can be minimized. This design helps ensure that any observed outcomes can more confidently be attributed to the independent variable, thereby strengthening the validity of the experiment.

In contrast, the experimental group is exposed to the independent variable, which allows researchers to assess its impact. The sample group typically refers to the overall group selected from a population to partake in the experiment, and the random group implies a method of selecting subjects, but does not specifically describe the condition of not being exposed to the independent variable.